KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Constitutional Council recommends Karki as Chief Election Commissioner
The Constitutional Council has recommended Man Bahadur Karki of Morang for appointment as the Chief Election Commissioner. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council held on Friday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. The Council also recommended Rajiv Subba of Kathmandu for appointment as an Election Commissioner. In addition, Guru Prasad Wagle of Okhaldhunga has been recommended for another Election Commissioner post that will fall vacant after July 7, according to Deputy Speaker and Constitutional Council member Rubi Kumari Karna.
Govt claims early economic gains as reforms take effect in first 100 days
The government says a series of economic reforms introduced during its first 100 days in office have begun to produce encouraging results, citing improvements in revenue collection, increased private sector confidence, growing investment, and stronger support from development partners. The administration led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has identified economic revival and governance reform as its top priorities, with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle spearheading policy changes aimed at creating a more investment-friendly environment. One of the government’s flagship economic goals is to expand Nepal’s economy to Rs 10 trillion, a target that aligns with the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s election manifesto.
RSP not in favour of scrapping provinces: Rabi Lamichhane
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has clarified that the party is not in favour of abolishing Nepal’s provincial structure, saying its focus is on making federalism more effective rather than dismantling it. Speaking to journalists after the RSP parliamentary party meeting at Singha Durbar on Friday, Lamichhane said the political report adopted at the party’s first general convention did not propose the abolition of provinces. “We all know there are many issues in the Constitution that require debate. Other political parties have spoken more strongly than we have on these matters,” he said. “I don’t think we have written anywhere that the provinces should be abolished.”
Prof Dr Bhola Thapa appointed VC of Tribhuvan University
Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa has been appointed Vice Chancellor (VC) of Tribhuvan University. Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who also serves as the university’s Chancellor, appointed Prof. Dr. Thapa to the post on Friday. An engineer by profession, Prof. Dr. Thapa previously served as Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University. During his academic career at the university, he rose through the ranks from lecturer to Dean, Registrar and ultimately Vice Chancellor.
Govt begins land ownership drive for landless families
The government has formally begun distributing land ownership certificates to landless families, marking the start of its plan to address one of Nepal’s longest-running land reform issues under its 100-day governance agenda. The initiative follows a commitment made in the government’s 100-point action plan, unveiled on March 28, a day after the current administration was formed. The 91st point of the agenda pledges to provide legal ownership of land to landless citizens. Successive governments since the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990 had established various commissions to resolve the problems of landless squatters and unplanned settlements.
Govt advances healthcare reforms in first 100 days
The government says it has made progress in improving Nepal’s public healthcare system during its first 100 days in office, with reforms focused on enhancing service delivery, strengthening digital systems, and expanding access to affordable healthcare. According to the government, public hospitals have seen noticeable improvements in cleanliness, service management, and patient care. Digital record-keeping has also been introduced to securely maintain patients’ medical histories, while efforts are underway to ensure timely treatment and improve access to affordable medicines.
10,000 police personnel on standby for monsoon disaster response
Nepal Police has placed more than 10,000 personnel on standby across the country to strengthen preparedness and ensure swift response to monsoon-related disasters. According to Nepal Police, personnel equipped with the necessary rescue gear have been deployed at all levels—from Police Headquarters to local police posts—to enable immediate mobilization in the event of floods, landslides and other monsoon-induced disasters. The preparations follow the implementation of the Monsoon Disaster Preparedness and Response National Action Plan, 2083, approved by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. In line with the national plan, Nepal Police has also put into effect its own Monsoon Disaster Preparedness and Response Action Plan, 2083.
NEPSE falls 8.30 points as daily turnover exceeds Rs 4.41 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 8.30 points on Friday, closing at 2,653.40, according to the stock exchange. The Sensitive Index, which tracks the performance of listed blue-chip companies, also slipped by 2.65 points to settle at 459.81. A total of 8.58 million shares of 345 listed companies changed hands during the day’s trading, generating a turnover of more than Rs 4.41 billion. By transaction value, Agricultural Development Bank’s Agriculture Bond, KBL Debenture, NRN Infrastructure, Best Finance and Central Finance were among the most actively traded securities.
Gold surges by Rs 7,200 per tola, silver also up
Gold and silver prices continued their upward trend in the domestic market on Friday, with gold rising by Rs 7,200 per tola and silver increasing by Rs 165 per tola compared to Thursday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold was fixed at Rs 290,700 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 4,615 per tola. On Thursday, fine gold was priced at Rs 283,500 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 4,450 per tola. According to international media reports, gold was trading at USD 4,179 per ounce in the international market on Friday, while silver was priced at USD 62 per ounce.
NC dissident faction opens contact office as parallel convention preparations gather pace
A dissident faction within the Nepali Congress has begun preparations for a parallel general convention by opening a separate contact office in Chundevi, as the party establishment moves ahead with plans to hold its central general convention from October 2 to 5. The move comes as the establishment faction advances preparations for the party’s central convention, while leaders from the rival camp step up their own organisational activities. According to party sources, the non-establishment faction has opened the Chundevi office as part of its preparations for the 15th General Convention. Renovation work is currently underway at the newly established office, including painting and maintenance of the building. Cleaning and landscaping of the surrounding compound are also being carried out as preparations continue.
Six bills tabled in National Assembly
Six bills passed by the House of Representatives were tabled in the National Assembly during today’s meeting. National Assembly Secretary Tul Bahadur Kandel presented House messages on the Finance Bill, 2083; the National Debt Raising Bill, 2083; the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2083; and the Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, 2083. He also tabled House messages on the Cooperative (First Amendment) Bill, 2083, and the Bill to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Related to Institutes of Health Sciences, 2083.
Indian national arrested in foreign employment fraud case
Police have arrested an Indian national on charges of defrauding a job seeker by promising overseas employment in New Zealand with a lucrative salary. The accused, identified as Sanjay Kumar, allegedly collected Rs 980,000 from the victim before going out of contact. Following a complaint filed by the victim, a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested Kumar from Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16 on Wednesday, according to the Central Police News Room. He has been handed over to the Department of Foreign Employment for further investigation and legal action.
Civil Service Hospital expands services to Singha Durbar
The Civil Service Hospital has expanded its services to Singha Durbar, the country’s main administrative complex, by establishing a new service unit within the premises. The unit has been brought into operation on the ground floor of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration. According to the ministry, the facility is intended to provide civil servants with accessible and timely healthcare services at their workplace, reducing the need to travel for basic medical care.
Authorities warn against sale of bird flu-infected poultry
The Department of Livestock Services has warned that legal action will be taken against traders found selling or distributing poultry infected with avian influenza (bird flu), including chickens, ducks, quails and other birds. Department spokesperson Dr. Mukul Upadhyay urged the public not to compromise public health, stating that strict action would be taken under the law if infected birds are found in the market. The Department has also called for heightened vigilance, warning that the bird flu virus, which has spread to 11 districts since last Chaitra, could mutate if not effectively contained.
Bus plunges 200 metres off road in Baitadi, 16 injured
At least 16 people were injured after a passenger bus travelling from Dhangadhi in Kailali to Baitadi met with an accident on Friday afternoon. The bus, bearing registration number Sudurpashchim Province 01-001 Kha 3963, veered off the road and plunged about 200 metres down a slope at Gairakhan in Patan Municipality-8, according to the District Police Office, Baitadi. Ward Chairperson Harish Bista, who was at the scene, said all 16 injured passengers had been rescued.
Visa fee for Nepali workers heading to South Korea increased
The visa fee for Nepali workers travelling to South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) has been increased, the EPS Korea Section under the Department of Foreign Employment announced. In a public notice, the branch said the revised fee has been implemented in accordance with a decision of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal. According to the notice, the visa fee has been increased by Rs 600, raising the total amount from Rs 10,700 to Rs 11,300. The revised fee has been implemented based on a letter received on July 1. The new fee applies to applicants who have obtained a Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) under the EPS and are submitting their CCVI application forms.
NA deliberates budgets of seven ministries
The National Assembly (NA) deliberated on budget-related legislation, including the Appropriation Bill, 2083. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, NA Secretary Tul Bahadur Kandel tabled messages received from the House of Representatives regarding the Economic Bill, 2083, and the National Debt Recovery Bill, 2083. The House held group discussions on the budget appropriations for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies; Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment; Ministry of Infrastructure Development; Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Finance; and Ministry of Defence under the Appropriation Bill, 2083.
Nepal Rastra Bank issues Rs 25 billion one-year bond
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) issued a one-year “Nepal Rastra Bank Bond 2084” worth Rs 25 billion today. The bond was issued through an online bidding system, with bids accepted until 3:00 pm. The interest rate will be determined through the bidding process. The bond will mature on Ashar 19, 2084, with the principal repaid on the maturity date. Interest will be paid on a semi-annual basis.
Traffic enforcement generates Rs 1.33 million in revenue
Traffic police took action against 2,042 drivers across the Kathmandu Valley in the past 24 hours for violating traffic regulations, generating Rs 1.33 million in government revenue. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 56 individuals were penalized for driving under the influence of intoxicants, while 121 were booked for illegal ride-sharing. Similarly, 87 drivers were fined for signal violations and 173 for speeding. Action was also taken against 128 motorists for violating lane discipline, 87 for unnecessary horn use in restricted areas, 85 for illegal roadside parking, and 56 for driving on one-way roads. A further 1,249 cases were recorded for miscellaneous traffic violations.
Melamchi water supply suspended after source turns muddy
Water supply from the Melamchi Drinking Water Project to the Kathmandu Valley has been temporarily suspended from today after heavy rainfall caused high turbidity at the project’s source. According to Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) spokesperson Bir Bahadur Chand, water flowing from Melamchi to the Sundarijal-based treatment plant has been halted because excessive turbidity has made the treatment process difficult. “The water at the source has become extremely muddy due to rainfall. Once the water quality improves, treatment will resume and supply will be restored according to the regular distribution schedule,” Chand said.
Dr Yogendra Prasad Singh appointed chair of BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital
The government has appointed senior physician Dr Yogendra Prasad Singh as chairperson of the BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan. Following his appointment, Dr Singh took the oath of office and secrecy before Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta on Saturday. The selection committee had shortlisted three candidates for the post—Dr Yogendra Prasad Singh, Dr Ajay Kumar Jha and Dr Bijay Chandra Acharya. Dr Singh retired from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital after 46 years of service and is regarded as a senior figure in Nepal’s health sector.
Health Insurance Board urges providers to avoid unnecessary medical tests
The Health Insurance Board has urged healthcare providers not to conduct unnecessary medical tests, citing outstanding payments to service providers under the national health insurance programme. In a statement issued on Friday, the board said it has cleared claims only up to mid-Mangsir 2082, while payments for subsequent claims will be made after the government allocates the required budget. According to the board, it has disbursed Rs 23.44 billion to service providers on various dates during the current fiscal year. “With this payment, claim arrears of all service providers affiliated with the Health Insurance Board have been settled up to mid-Mangsir 2082,” the statement said.
Govt committed to providing quality education in Nepal: Minister Pokharel
Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel has said the government is working to ensure quality education is available within Nepal, urging young graduates to contribute to the country’s development. Addressing the 31st convocation ceremony of Kathmandu University in Dhulikhel, Minister Pokharel said educated youth have an indispensable role in building a prosperous and progressive society. “The government is committed to providing quality education in Nepal. The active participation of educated youth is essential to achieve this goal,” he said. He added that the government is striving to build the progressive society envisioned by the younger generation and called on graduates to become active partners in nation-building.
Banke Forest Office begins distribution of 6 lakh saplings
The Divisional Forest Office, Banke, has begun distributing 6 lakh saplings of various species free of cost to farmers in a bid to promote greenery in the district. According to Senior Divisional Forest Officer Shankar Prasad Gupta, a total of 678,172 saplings have been produced and distributed in the current fiscal year. He said 588,872 seasonal saplings and 89,300 perennial saplings have been prepared this year, with distribution to farmers beginning from yesterday. The office said the saplings being distributed free of cost include timber, non-timber, fruit-bearing and ornamental species.
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